Pros
Excellent benefits and top notch in the industry. Working with the brightest minds from New York and London. Attending talks that bring in geniuses from across the world. A fantastic CEO who values diversity at the work place. I've met way too many inspiring individuals during my tenure at Goldman Sachs! I have to admit that it was a great first job out of school - I've learnt and grown so much from this place. I have LOTS to be thankful for.
Cons
Managers in Operations Salt Lake City are mostly jokes. They are brought in from either Bangalore (where they lack EQ, people skills, common sense) or London ( cliquish, zero technical skills, London rejects). You can't find true leadership at this office. Your career will have no growth and you'll be asking yourself every day "Am I really working for the best investment bank in the world?" Operations was built out in Salt Lake City only as a cheap, escape route for the firm. GS wanted to save money and decided to pick the most boring city in the entire United States of America. Poor decision! The lucky 2% manage to move to New York and the rest of us are stuck with low caliber managers and Mormon colleagues that are sickeningly sweet but unfortunately boring. This office is a major disaster and Salt Lake City is looked down upon by rest of the firm (well Bangalore still wins for being the worst). I don't even understand how some of these people make Vice Presidents at Goldman Sachs. My advice to incoming folks: Run far from this office. There are way too many people who are unhappy and very limited opportunities for internal mobility. Also, ask yourself if you want to be a glorified factory worker processing brainless information every. single. day? That is Operations for you. It's only prestigious to work at Goldman Sachs if 1) You are working anywhere BUT Salt Lake City and Bangalore 2) You are working anywhere BUT Salt Lake City and Bangalore 3) You are working anywhere BUT Salt Lake City and Bangalore I think you got the message.